People like to think that Donald Trump is a unique figure in American politics. Some people even allege that he would be the first President never to have held elective office. But alas, as much of what is being said about the Donald is manifestly not true, so is this canard.
There was once a President who was a very successful businessman. One who believed that government should be run like a business. That what government needed was more efficiency. Also, he was not much of a partisan. He flirted with Democrats as well as Republicans, but ultimately ran for the Presidency as a Republican because of his strong beliefs about the virtue of Capitalism.
His reputation as a savvy businessmen was so great that he was made Secretary of Commerce by that bastion of integrity, President Warren G. Harding.Those more astute of you have already guessed who I'm talking about:
Herbert C. Hoover
Yes, that Hoover, not to be confused with the vacuum cleaner of the same name. Hoover famously said, "Given the chance to go forward with the policies of the last eight years, we shall soon with the help of God, be in sight of the day when poverty will be banished from this nation." Yes, those policies which lead to prosperity for everyone. Sound familiar? He also famously said, "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land."
A few months later the stock market crashed, ushering the greatest Depression the world had ever seen. The year was 1929.
Now, I am not suggesting if Donald Trump becomes President we will have another Great Depression, but I am suggesting that business acumen, no elected political experience, and a constant bragging posture about the future is no guarantee of success for our country.
Citizens of the World, please take notice.
There was once a President who was a very successful businessman. One who believed that government should be run like a business. That what government needed was more efficiency. Also, he was not much of a partisan. He flirted with Democrats as well as Republicans, but ultimately ran for the Presidency as a Republican because of his strong beliefs about the virtue of Capitalism.
His reputation as a savvy businessmen was so great that he was made Secretary of Commerce by that bastion of integrity, President Warren G. Harding.Those more astute of you have already guessed who I'm talking about:
Herbert C. Hoover
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| Herbert Hoover |
A few months later the stock market crashed, ushering the greatest Depression the world had ever seen. The year was 1929.
Now, I am not suggesting if Donald Trump becomes President we will have another Great Depression, but I am suggesting that business acumen, no elected political experience, and a constant bragging posture about the future is no guarantee of success for our country.
Citizens of the World, please take notice.
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